Starston Windpump facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Starston Wind Pump |
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| Origin | |
| Mill location | 330 yards south west of the Church of St Margaret, Pulham Road, Starston |
| Grid reference | TM2384 |
| Coordinates | 52°24′41″N 1°16′50″E / 52.411382°N 1.280686°E |
| Year built | 1850 |
The Starston Wind Pump is a special type of windmill that was used for pumping water. It is located west of the village of Starston in Norfolk, England. This historic pump stands about 330 yards from the local church, Saint Margaret's, in an area known as Mill Field.
This wind pump is very important! It is recognized as a Grade II listed building, which means it's a historic place protected by law. It's also a scheduled ancient monument, marking it as an important archaeological site. After being in poor condition for some years, it was fully repaired in 2010, so it can be enjoyed by many more generations.
History of the Wind Pump
This unique windmill was built around 1850. It was created by two skilled mill builders from Suffolk, Whitmore and Binyon. The main job of the Starston Wind Pump was to move water. It would pump water from a nearby stream, called the Beck. This water then filled up two very large tanks. One tank was on top of Starston Place house, and the other was in the farmyard of Home Farm.
The windmill was very good at its job! Its large sails, made of canvas and wood, were so efficient that they rarely needed help. Even though there was a special engine that could also work the pumps, it was hardly ever used. The windmill did most of the work.
Why the Pump Stopped Working
Over time, things changed. A new system was put in place that brought water directly to the village and surrounding areas through pipes. Because of this new, modern water supply, the wind pump was no longer needed. So, its use was stopped.
What the Water Was Used For
The water pumped by the windmill was very important for the area. The tank on top of Starston Place house provided the main water supply for that very large home. The tank in the farmyard supplied water for all the animals. This included about 200 cows that were milked and fattened, as well as a large group of pigs kept at Home Farm. The water also helped keep the level of the horse pond full, with an overflow pipe from the main tank.
